States that may Help Pay for your BSN or MSN Degree
Higher Education Articles November 24, 2013Perhaps you are a Registered Nurse (RN) in New England who has not yet earned your advanced nursing degree, but you are not aware that certain states pay BSN or MSN expenses. Many states across the U.S. offer scholarships, grants, loans, and living stipends to help nurses pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. Nursing professionals are typically busy managing families, careers, and various additional obligations, but it is still possible financially to pursue advanced nursing degrees through the scholarships, grants, and loans available through some New England states.
One Way to Start Your Search
Be sure to check into the U.S. Government’s Federal Student Aid program before you explore your options for financial aid in your respective state. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known widely by its acronym FAFSA, helps determine your eligibility for federal student loans in the event that scholarships, grants, or living stipends don’t cover your full expenses. Most schools require you to fill out the FAFSA when you apply for student financial aid.
Ways to Pay for Your BSN or MSN Degree
Multiple states offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and living stipends through various means, including the Promise of Nursing (PON) Regional Faculty Fellowship Program.
The following New England states offer financial aid.
Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses
The Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses (MARN) sponsors the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency Scholarship. It is listed as a scholarship or forgivable loan, and the deadline for applications is March 15, 2013.
This scholarship is awarded annually, either to an MARN member to pursue a further degree in nursing, or for a child or significant other of an MARN member who has been accepted into a nursing education program.
New Hampshire Rural Health and Primary Care Program
The New Hampshire Rural Health and Primary Care Program sponsors the New Hampshire State Loan Repayment Program. It is classified as a repayable loan, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
The stated purpose of New Hampshire’s State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is to improve access to primary care for underserved communities in the state. The State Loan Repayment Program for nurses seeks to accomplish this goal by recruitment and retention of primary health care professionals.
Other States That Pay BSN and MSN Expenses
If you are a Registered Nurse interested in pursuing your advanced nursing degree, but you don’t live in New England and wonder what other states pay BSN or MSN expenses, here is the list: California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
